After 600 years, the Antinori Family, arguably Italy’s most well-known wine family opened their newest estate winery to the public in early 2013 (by appointment). The cellar is located about 25 minutes from Florence and 30 minutes from Siena. While this is a large winery (67,000 square feet), its physical footprint is barely seen because the entire winery and parking facilities are located underground and are built into the side of a hill.
The winery is a testament to the family’s heritage; they are one of the world’s oldest continuously operated businesses – with the 25th and 26th generations currently running this wine empire. A visit here includes a tour of the impressive cellar and winemaking facilities as well as a tasting in one of the luxurious rooms overlooking the cellar. After the tour you are free to wander around their “family” museum which contains impressive historical artifacts, documents and paintings. A unique wine press personally designed by Leondaro DaVinci is also on display.
Get here early before your appointment or stay later for a meal in their Rinuccio restaurant – named after an original family member who made his own wine. The food is Tuscan themed with plenty of Tuscan produced wines to choose from.
To arrange a visit and for more information see: www.antinorichianticlassico.it
Excellent article, Dave. Thanks for the info. We’ve enjoyed a lot of Antinori Chianti vino. It’s one of our favorites when we’re in Italy. When we return to Firenze – a visit to Antinori’s newest estate winery is on our list – Siena too.
M&G
NYC USA
Thanks Michael – I need to get back to Tuscany and also visit John in Verona at some point. I have a possible trip to Switzerland next month but will try to visit Malta if I go.